Given i am writing this with less than an hour to go before the month's deadline, i would like to apologise profusely for lack of textual body, wit and mirth in this post.
Hopefully the quality of tunes will make up for it!
We have a cracker from Junip (José Gonzalez's band before he got famous on his own - with a new album out in September), a real unkown for you with Chad Valley, another slice of beauty from Active Child, some disco wonderment from Midnight Magic (I defy you not to want to dance to this!) and one of my real favourites of 2010 from TEETH.
Enjoy, and sorry again for general disorganisation. Rest assured, the only way is up!
Chip's Blips is back in the nick of time (who's Nick?) to bring you another veritable feast of bass, beats, bumps, boops and of course a few blips. Another 9 crackers for you, so here we go:
1. Wild Nothing - Chinatown
If you are the kind of person that gets sad easily, just listen to this song without watching the video because it's really sad. The poor little lad! He lost his dog, and couldn't find it. What a shit story, I mean who does that appeal to? Why is that entertaining? Well those were rhetorical questions in case you missed it, because the answers are clearly 1. No one and 2. It isn't. Anyway, never mind the video - the song's a corker.
2. Kendal Johansson - Blue Moon
Another one of those Scandinavian fun sponges. Jeez, cheer up love, it's not that bad! Maybe love only comes in the unrequited variety in Sweden, who knows. Nevertheless, I know you don't read this blog for songs by The Saturdays. You want proper music. This is undeniably that. I love it. It's short, sad, sweet, and another one for that little hut in a snowy Scandinavian wood.
3. Chief - Night and Day
I first saw these awesome guys supporting the Middle East - another Chip's Blips favourite - and was absolutely blown away. I think I enjoyed them more than the headline act. Their harmonies are spot on, they are tight as any band out there, and their melodies are straight outta the sock drawer. As in the top drawer. The cutlery drawer? That better? Anyway, look out for them, they're going to be ma-hoo-sive as they say in Cheshire, Norfolk and a small area of Rutland.
4. Villagers - Ship of Promises
Another new band on the Domino label (they're churning them out). Very much in the style of Arcade Fire, possibly with a bit of Bright Eyes chucked in there? Whatever they've put in that musical potage, it tastes good to me.
5. Melodica, Melody & Me - Piece Me Back Together
Crikey England, calm down! Yet yet yet yet yet another lovely little folk band emerge from the musical shrubbery, covered in moss, woodlice and carrying only violins and accordions. I don't know whether there is much more room for them in the mainstream, but I do know that this song makes me smile. It's a start.
6. Ceo - Come With Me
Finally, a little boppy one for you, before you descend into a pit of doom and start howling "WHY?" at the moon. Catchy number from this band that I know nothing about. (I am such a good blogger.) However, I knows what I likes, and hopefully you'll like it too.
7. Ramadanman - Don't Change For Me
Doctor doctor, I think I'm sick. This is the second dub track I've put on in a matter of months. I can't help it, it's just too good. That little little twiddly bit where her voice goes eheheheeeheheheeee gives me strange yet delightfully pleasurable sensations. Is there a cure or am I cursed with this affliction for life? Help! Yours faithfully,
8. Chromeo - Don't Turn The Lights On
Love these disco funksters. Another belter. 'Nuff said.
9. The Dream - Yamaha
For some reason this won't upload to the main playlist, so here is a separate embedder jobby (that's the technical name). Listened to this on Pitchfork after reading that he sounded like Prince. I love Prince, he loves Prince.... and waddyaknow, I love this. Funny that. Yes it's a little cheesy, but it's also really really good. You'll have "Yamahaaa Wooah Yamahaaa" stuck in your head in no time.
That's all we got time for folks, hope you've enjoyed yourselves. I certainly have.
I thought I would soften the blow of news that we will play Germany and then Argentina (if we make it that far) rather than Ghana and Uruguay - thanks USA - with the latest edition of Blippage.
It is one of my favourite editions of 2010 so far, so I hope there's something in here for everyone. Well, not exactly everyone. Oh come on it's an expression.
Annnnyway..Onwards, onwards, and hopefully upwards! Press play and read on.
1. Everything Everything - Schoolin'
Probably my favourite song of the last few months. It is definitely a grower though, I didn't like it all that much when I first heard it. But but but, now it just fills my ears with pleasure. So original and creative; it manages to be a pop song whilst at the same time sounding like no other band around. Brilliant.
2. The Tallest Man On Earth - The Gardener
Very Dylan-esque stuff going on here from a Swedish (i think) songstrel. Simple and effective, his voice gets less abrasive and more emotive with every listen.
3. Arcade Fire - The Suburbs
New one from the GENIUSES Arcade Fire (apologies too for the live version - this track is so hot off the press that the recording isn't on Youtube yet!) I think they could've released an album that was just one 58min long nose-flute solo and I still would've fallen in love with it. This band has a hold over me, bigtime. As far as I'm concerned they make some of the best music around. So much stuff that I (we) listen to now - Local Natives, Wild Beasts etc. - have all been inspired by what these guys did. After a slightly trickier 2nd album I am really hoping they can produce something like Funeral again. It would make my year.
4. Tame Impala - Solitude Is Bliss
This one is doing the rounds on Pitchfork and getting a lot of love. There is quite a Beatles vibe in there I reckon. It might be a bit too psych for some of you but hey, I am a fan, and we can't all like the same stuff can we? That would be boring. And Justin Bieber would be out of a job.
5. Mystery Jets - Dreaming of Another World
Blinkin' Nora this is one hell of a song. Gets in your head from the first listen and stays there stubbornly like that annoying guy at house parties that no one knows but for some reason is always the last to leave. Just piss off random guy, no one knows you, go home. Anyway, this track is definitely a contender for song of the summer so far. Happy, light, great chorus and good singability factor. Done.
6. The Good Natured - Your Body Is A Machine
New signing to Kitsuné records, which basically tells you 2 things from the off - she is 1.) fucking cool and 2.) makes awesome music. And thankfully that watertight theory has not been disproven with this one. Very good stuff, surely destined for the charts a la Florence & The Machine and Ellie Goulding (broken by Chip's Blips in October 2009 if you remember). Look out for this one.
7. Evil Nine - Ultimo
The latest track from Evil Nine here, going a lot less breaksy and a lot more, well, awesome. An absolute banger. Nothing else needs to be said really.
8. Crystal Castles - Baptism
Another entry for these shouty mouthers, and the same stands for last month's track. I hate all the screaming, but you can't really argue when it sounds like this. Earth-shatteringly good.
9. The Mills Brothers - How'm I Doin
Oh for groups who still did stuff as good as this. There is just so much talent in this 2min track it is unreal. The harmonies, the timing, the pitch-perfect voices, the guitar work, the vocal instrument work (the little trumpet at the end!).... I just love it. Makes JLS look like the warm-up act at the Chattanooga Falls Tone-Deaf Convention. When Stephen Hawking is headlining. Be embarrassed you sacks of shite!
(On a side note - If anyone wants to form a group like this then I am game!)
Signing off with a "Tweet Tweet Tweet Twa Twao" -- Until July.
Worrrrrrrd up yo! I'm off to NYC on Monday so I'm just trying to get down with the lingo, bwoy. Can't wait to kick it with my homies. They're going to love my boombox and I know all the words to the Fresh Prince song so I'm sure I will fit right in.
Anyways, yes it's late but it is here and it is still the 5th month of the glorious Year Of Our Lord 2010, so that qualifies as a May playlist. Ain't no-one gonna be pulling me up on no technicalities this time, foooool!
9 more delightful treats for you to shampoo your ear drums with this month. We've got a little bit of everything, from Coco Rosie to Crystal Castles and the unbelievably sexy accent of Yelle somewhere in the middle, making one damn fine musical sandwich.
Without further ado:
1. Coco Rosie - Lemonade
This sounds like something from a 1940s Disney film, lots of scratchy vinyl sounds and classical piano. But then a Bjorkish vocal appears over the top and it all goes a bit spooky and wonderful, with a few soft trumpets thrown in, before swooning into pure sunshine. Ahhh listen to that! That is lovely. So we flit Jekyll and Hyde style back and forth between dark scandi and sunny swooning for the rest of the track. Can't really fault this one.
2. Lissie - In Sleep
There's something very 1990s Cranberries about this song (Zooombie Zooombie, Zom bay AY bay AY etc), but I can't stop listening to it, which I suppose means that I like it. Her voice has a lovely timbre to it, and given this is a live video it is pretty fucking impressive too. Any chorus that you know the words to by the end of the song is a goody if you ask me. Cracking guitar solo at the end too - if this had been released in 92 it would've been nailed on for number 1!
3. The Ghost Is Dancing - Louis Riel
Hopefully I'm bringing you a Chip's Blips exclusive here. Given that this video only has 180 views, I hope that's the case. The Ghost Is Dancing is the brainchild of Mike Mo, a famous skateboarder (apparently). I think it's pretty good. Might be too American and shouty for some, but at least you are expanding your horizons eh?
4. Active Child - I'm in your church at night
Holy mackerel, this is brilliant. I read a review of this that described it as "white winter hymntronica". Can't really do much better than that without feeling like I'm trying too hard. What I really really love about this track is that it is only 1 or 2 instruments away from being horribly depressing, but the harp (?) and that bit of synth hold it all together and turn it into something spectacular.
5. Savoir Adore - The Scientific Findings of Dr Rousseau
I don't know who Dr Rousseau is, or what his scientific findings were, but I hope it was something awesome like inventing nurofen or curing leprosy (2nd one slightly more awesome), otherwise these Brooklyn funsters (I will look them up next week) have just wasted a perfectly good song title on him. And a nice little ditty this is too.
6. Two Door Cinema Club - Something Good Can Work
These kids are destined for big things with the amount of ridiculously catchy and brilliant tunes they are churning out (see Undercover Martyn if you haven't heard that one). I saw them supporting Phoenix and they were damn good, especially the drummer. I'm a sucker for summery indie, and this one ticks my box.
7. Crookers ft. Yelle - Cooler Couleur
Without a doubt my favourite track of this month's blips. That little french voice ("shouldehrz", "whateveur") combined with that military step is a match made in heaven. I could listen to this over and over again for a good while. Come to think of it I have. And for anyone who is wondering what "dancing with la bouche en coeur" means, apparently (according to Sacha) it is how you say 'pouting' in french (literally mouth in the shape of a heart). So, not only am I bringing you cracking new music here at Chip's Blips, I am also educating you. For free. Can't get much better than that can you?
8. Crystal Castles - Celestica
New one from CC here, seemingly moving away from that horrible screaming mess that they have the cheek to masquerade as electro (although Crimewave is verrrrrry good), and maturing their sound into something more sophistiqué. I've caught the french bug...
9. Mobius Band - The Loving Sounds of Static
I'm sad that these guys never made it properly; I thought this song was absolutely mind blowing when it came out in 2006. Still sounds good today so I decided to dig it out in memoriam.
That's all folks, I'm off to NYC but will return with another 9 bundles of fun for you soon (one of which promises to be one of my favourite Blips of all time...)
(Oh and p.s. my The National album arrived a couple of weeks ago and it is fucking brilliant. I have to swear it is that good. Everyone needs to buy this.)
The stone wall was falling fast on April, and like the whip-cracking hero himself I have dived under it, escaped death's clutches and delivered a blog to the world. And yes, I even had time to reach back in and grab my hat.
This month we are back to the standard 9 songs I'm afraid. But fear not, they all have a hop in their gait and a spring in their step.
For Spring is upon us!
No longer will our poor ears have to be wrapped in beanies or muffs, no longer will we have to sit at home shivering next to our one lonely lump of dying coal, No! We can set them free into the world accompanied only by headphones (hopefully playing this month's playlist) on a quest to find that elusive 'Song Of The Summer'. I will do my best to find yours for you in the next couple of months.
But enough rejoicing, onto April's Blips!
1. Foals - This Orient
Foals are back with some new stuff. And it is gooood. Gone are the angry Oxbridge mathletes with their technical riffs and twitchy drums. Out of that IQ-rich chrysalis has sprung something altogether more clear and peaceful. I was going to say 'euphoric', but that word will forever remind me of skin-headed sweat-drenched Northerners dressed as babies, sucking dummies and gurning. So I didn't.
(not quite the image I have in my head, but he'll do)
2. The Drums - Forever And Ever Amen
Much-hyped band The Drums here, stars of the NME tour and probably covered by 90% of bloggers already. But hey, I just heard this one (didn't like the ones before) and I like it. Lots of New Order/Joy Division influences going on, just with a slightly speeded up indie outcome. That's not a negative comment, everyone has to sound like someone, don't they? I think I'm just paranoid that the 90% are laughing at me.
3. Philadelphia Grand Jury - 99 Problems
Aussie's Philly Jays (apparently this is their nickname. what does it say about the practicality of your band name that you need to shorten it and make up a shorter version?) doing a cheeky remake of Jay-Z's original. They do write their own stuff too, and it aint taa bead mayt. That was a horrendous attempt at a phonetic Australian accent if you were wondering...
4. The National - Blood Buzz Ohio
If you like Interpol, tune in. Reeeeeeal Amurkin music here (enough now) with lovely pianos, lovely vocals and a nice quick drum to keep it ticking along. I've ordered the album, so will let you know how that goes for me. Ah that reminds me: have a look on the right hand side because my list of Albums You Must Own has expanded.
5. Steve Mason - Lost And Found
This is probably my favourite find this month. Steve Mason hails from the now defunct (I think) Beta Band, known as one of the best 'unknown' bands never to make it. When I first heard this song I thought it was a little bit annoying. If this is your thought process as well then please, give it a few listens because right now I think it is pretty god-dang sensational.
6. Turin Brakes - Sea Change
Turin Brakes' 2001 album 'The Optimist' was the soundtrack for a large chunk of my teenage years. After that they faded out a bit, and I presumed they had split up and were doing something far more glamorous like collecting my bins every Tuesday. Well, as is fairly obvious, it seems they are still tearing up the folk scene (can you 'tear up' the folk scene?). This songs brings back waves of teenage nostalgia: awkwardness, low-self esteem, frustration and unrequited love. Ahhhh, happy times! 7. Delorean - Deli
Brazil's answer to Friendly Fires, I downloaded this EP (for £4 - do it) last month and am still thoroughly enjoying it. 3 definite candidates for 'Song Of The Summer' here; happy vibes, sing-able chorus and that little bit of X factor. Or as they say in Portuguese: factor X. It's a tricky language.
8. CHEW LiPS - Seven
Pop wonderment from this up'n'coming South-London-based Kitsuné-signed trio. When Kitsuné sign someone you can normally assume that they are pretty good, and this is no exception. Catchy? Check. Bleepy goodness? Check. Big lead vocal? Check. Breakdown? Check. You get the message. This song is destined for the mainstream.
9. Psychemagik - Where We Are?
A warm blast of spacey disco gurgles to finish this month's selection off. I heard a remix they did on the Rob Da Bank show on Radio 1, and this is the only track I could find. Given that the song only has 650 views, you can pat yourself and say you found these guys first when you are talking to that Gauloise smoking, purple jean wearing cool-cat (remember him from August?).
Well that's all for now. I do hope that you and your ears enjoyed themselves. Check back for another instalment in the merry month of May and remember, if you like it, buy the album!
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They said it would never happen. They said he would never write again. They said his sword was mightier than his pen. They said.. ahh well they said a lot, but all you need to know dear (and very deprived) reader is that it is time for a bumper selection of tunes to soothe your poor lonely ears.
Many of the songs I've picked on this list you might have heard of, but I'm going to put them on anyway. I will put some silly, new and obscure ones on too. Don't you worry your little socks about that.
I have 21 absolute belters for you. These are my favourite tracks of the past few months, so let's just call my 3 month absence a 'research trip' and be done with it.
(Edit: Reports that some people are only getting 18 songs on this embedded playlist. I don't know how to fix this. CLICK HEREand hopefully you will be transported to youtube's direct page. Hope this works.)
(Given that there are 21 tracks I hope you will forgive me for not writing my usual extended reviews of each track..)
1. Broken Bells - The High Road.
Amazing side-project/collaboration here. It's James Mercer, lead singer of The Shins, in a superb tag-team megathon with producer Danger Mouse. Suffice to say, it's really really good.
2. Yeasayer - O.N.E.
Only Nine Elephants? Originally Named Egg? Over Nourished Egyptian? Who knows. What I do definitely know is that you will be singing "yooo don't move me any mohohohhhhh" for hours after this. Even if you don't want to. So deal with it.
3. Holly Miranda - Waves
Unfortunately i could only find this version on YouTube (album is only just out), but this is still lovely. She has a lovely, sad voice. It's another one of those winter cabin songs. Yum.
4. Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Maps
I listened to this the other day and had forgotten how good it is. It is good. In case you had forgotten. Because I had. It really is! Enough. Listen. Stop. Typing.
5. Marina & The Diamonds - I am not a robot (Penguin Prison mix)
I haven't heard the original, but this one makes me happy. The breakdown is awesome, I like her voice and the little cowbells. And don't forget the piano - I LOVE the piano. Nothing like a bit of rave piano to get my juices flowing.
6. Laura Marling - Devil's Spoke
Ooooh Miss Marling, this is a corker. Angry and moody (and slightly Middle Eastern or is that just me?)
7. Miike Snow - Animal
You all know this track, you all like it. Yeah, me too.
8. Passion Pit - Little Secrets
So I bought PP's first album Chunk of Change when it came out. It had a few good tracks, but it didn't blow me away like some albums have recently. So to my surprise I found myself ordering their new album (sometimes my fingers just start clicking the mouse and there is nothing I can do...) 'Manners'. And blow me down if it isn't chock full of absolute belters! This is one of the best. Love the chorus so much.
9. Jonsi - Boy Lilikoi
This is one half of Sigur Ros, showing that the other half is just holding him back. Probably my favourite track of 2010 so far. Even though I heard it in 2009. Doesn't matter. I make the rules around here so just watch it. Can't wait for the album, and the gig in May.
10. Fever Ray - Seven
Only Karin Andersson could sing about dishwasher tablets and still manage to sound cool... Fever Ray is the alter ego of The Knife if you recognised the voice and were wondering. If you weren't apologies for wasting 10 seconds of your time. I owe you one.
11. Friendly Fires - Paris (Aeroplane Mix)
The Belgian remixers have done it again. This is bliss. It makes you feel like you should be lying on a beach in Ibiza as the sun goes down, drinking [insert cocktail of choice], surrounded by lots of lovely people. Could someone arrange this please? Many thanks.
12. Caribou - Odessa
Bought an old album of theirs, and it was about as accessible as a Mother Superior's undergarments. There is singing on this, which makes it a little better. I like the bassline. Do you like?
13. Hot Chip - Take it in
Always had a sympathy with these lads, given they named themselves after me. ;)
14. The Tough Alliance - A New Chance (Juan Maclean Remix)
Another little boppy one for all your crazy kids. Some more rave piano as well. I can't get enough!
15. Pantyraid - Get The Money
So after I decided that I liked this song, I read that it was dubstep. Is it? If it is then it's the first thing I have ever liked (and probably ever will again) in that genre. Apologies to all you 'DubSteppaz', or whatever you call yourselves, but dubstep is the biggest load of shit ever. Apart from this of course.
16. The Vanish - Hold On
Another little electro-pop number in the PonyPonyRunRun/Grafton Primary mould.
17. Frightened Rabbit - No One Like You
Can't really decide on this band. Some days I like them and some days I think they are whiny. Tonight I like them, so they are in.
18. Silver Columns - Brow Beaten
Like Bronski Beat? Like Silver Columns. Simple.
19. Two Door Cinema Club - Undercover Martyn
Shame about the video, but this is an undeniably catchy little song. The guitar riff is a prime example of the beauty of simplicity. 12 notes and you're hooked.
20. Tensnake - Coma Cat
Can't remember when I heard this track. Stick the intro out and you will be rewarded. That's all I have to say. Oh ok, XYLOPHONE goodness!
21. Opiuo - The Freaky Bean
Weirdy one to finish. Some nice squelchy noises here from Oipoiouoiuoiuoi or something.
WOWSERS. That was long. But good. I feel like I owed it to you. Now let's have a hug. Come on, c'm'ere. There we go. That's better.
Until the next time.
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Ok, I’m writing this very sheepishly. It’s almost December, and I haven’t blipped for a long time. Apologies, but life got in the way for a bit.
So, admin over, onto the good stuff (and it is good stuff.)
I’ve got 9 little corkers for you this month, and to try and make it up to you, my little virtual visitor, I am planning something very special for December. Very special indeed. So keep those ears to the floor and that nose to the breeze. In the meantime, wrap your chops around the November Issue.
1.Baxter – Proof (Lifelike mix)
Now, if you’ve been paying attention, you might have realised that I quite like sleepy electronic music with someone (preferably foreign) chirping quasi-decipherable English over the top. And this is no exception. Lovely lovely stuff here from the mystery man Baxter. I’ve got it playing in my headphones as I type this and the song is ending and I don’t want it to but now there are just the little gurgles and it’s fading and the gurgles are quieter and it’s going and wow it’s taking a quite a long time to go and now there are organs and it’s gone. Sigh.
2.The Twelves – Works For Me
Take Phoenix and put them in Rio De Janeiro. Not that there is anything especially Brazilian about this track. That’s just where The Twelves are from (2 guys, both born on the 12th of July. See what they did there? Although technically, shouldn’t it have been The Twelfths? Although saying that does automatically give you a speech impediment.)
3.Pony Pony Run Run – Hey You
This album is only available on iTunes, but I guess that’s how most of you kids buy your music anyway these days. Apart from all the naughty illegal, bad, naughty, illegal, bad and naughty ones. It’s only about £7 and it’ll keep your ears happy for at least two weeks, depending on how demanding they are. I’ve heard of ears that have lasted months on this stuff though, so you could be lucky. Another one from the Eurolectro mould. Nice little guitars as well though. I like these guys and I really like this song.
4.Bag Raiders – Turbo Love
They’ve been called ‘the new Daft Punk’ and although those ‘the new’ tags really annoy me, I can kind of see where they are coming from, but at the same time, not even close. I still haven’t seen Daft Punk live. It’s on my TTDBID list. I’ll let you work that one as I can’t be arsed to type it. Anyway, Bag Raiders are in the same mould. And for all of you who get quite irritated by this French electro-pop malarkey, this is the last one, promise. I know your foot is tapping though. Come on admit it.
5.Local Natives – Stranger Things
A late entry into my list of contenders for album of the year, this record has literally knocked my socks off. Youtube entries are still relatively sparse, so this was the only decent recording I could get hold of that didn’t have a 2 minute blank space at the end of it. This is an absolute belter of an album, and I implore you to buy it. They have been described as “a hairy Arcade Fire”. I think that’s pretty good. Lots of sweeping strings, and harmonies. General sweepiness actually. Oh, and the handclaps. Gotta love the handclaps.
6.Wild Beasts – All The Kings Men
A lot of “Woooo oooo oooohh oh oh oh oooooooo” is a fantastic addition to any song. Combine this with a cheeky falsetto, some lovely place names and a generally lovely melody and you have yourself one gem of a song. Album was a little disappointing, although I’m holding out for it to be a slow-grower. Maybe it’s just because I bought it at the same time as Local Natives and I gave that all my love. I think these guys are English as well, which makes a change on this blog.
7.Memory Tapes – Bicycle
Weird band this. Don’t really know how to categorise it at all. If you were with me as far back as September, you will remember Department of Eagles. These guys are fairly similar, but much more on the electronic side of things. The track bubbles along nicely with some synthing and a bit of plinking, but then breaks into something really unexpected and, well, beautiful. It’s lovely. Makes my toes warm.
8.Fredrik – Alina’s Place
This is one for you obscure music lovers. Relatively unknown Swedish band who I stumbled upon one day completely by accident. I think if I lived in a place where the temperature always had a “-“ in front of it and it got dark at about 2pm every day I would make music like this as well. It puts you right there, in a little wooden lodge beside a dark and frozen lake, but you’re inside, lying next to a roaring fire, surrounded by reindeer blankets. Ahhhhhhhh. Yum.
As always with track 9, I’m offering you something from left-field. This month's entry is truly bizarre. There is something delightfully naughty about this song – it makes me feel like scampering around in a comedy-tiptoe style. Definitely one to stick on at that weird hour of the morning where no one really knows what’s going on. Guaranteed merriment and chaos. Think I’m going to buy a copy for my record bag. The little breakdown in the middle using the original sample is just brilliant. Come to think of it, there’s something quite sleazy and unsettling about this track. I think that’s why I like it so much.
It even has applause at the end. Fitting, because you too may now applaud. See you in December (I promise!)
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Previous months now available via the Playlist function. Enjoy!
August:
September:
Also found this nifty little gadget which lets you put all your favourite bands/DJs into a database and generates a calendar of their upcoming shows and tours. Here is the link:
As the days close in, the temperature plummets and that rosy (burnt) summer holiday glow fades from your face, Chip's Blips is here to rescue you; swooping you up into a velvety blanket of squelchy crotchets and caressing your weary ears.
And just when you thought things couldn't get any better, I've only gone and turned myself into a techno whizzkid. Yes listeners, you can now listen to every song on my playlist without clicking on each link individually! Pat yourself on the back - your life is now easier.
So herrrrrre we go! October's playlist, coming right up.
Wow. That has just saved me 40 minutes of embedding individual videos right there. Super. (Edit: there seems to be a problem with loading the Popof tracks at the end. Click this link to go directly to the complete Youtube playlist)
"Oh Lord," I hear you all sigh, "He's lost it. He put that in last month." Well, you're all wrong. Well, you're right, but you're wrong. Although, if I had heard this last month then the original would've been left crying on the sidelines like that really fat kid who's shit at football.
This is called a remix, but it isn't your generic slightly-speeded-up-and-given-a-shitty-beat remix. It has been re-engineered into something altogether more lovely and totally outclasses the original. The lyrics are supplied by Ellie Goulding, a Youtube darling who is just starting to make ripples in the mainstream. Gone is the shrieker that I warned you about in September. Good riddance I say. You know how sometimes a bar of soap smells so good that you want to eat it? Well I want to eat Ellie Goulding's voice, though I fear that - as with soap - it wouldn't go so well.
2. Florence and the Machine - You've Got The love (The Xx Remix)
Ahh Florence. You're so crazy and thrashy and ginger. And The Xx. Ahhhh The Xx. You're so dark and broody and slutty. Put them together and you've got yourself a crazy-dark broody-thrash ginger slut of a song, and it really works. The Xx can do no wrong in my eyes, and this track has only increased my undying respect for (i.e. jealousy of) them. Who knew Xylophones could be so good?
I'm also really enjoying trying to sing along to the mashed-up Florence vocal in the chorus. Try it (and make a tit out of yourself).
(P.s. Don't worry they aren't all remixes.)
3. Grum - Heartbeats
Well here's one to get you up and at 'em. This track doesn't mess about. Little intro, breakdown, smash the place up. Probably not the best thing to listen to at 8.30 at work, but there's a time and a place for everything.
These guys are Scotland's answer to Daft Punk and are impressing on the remix circuit. Pretty sure they have an album/EP out on the 19th of October so I will report with more informative snippets then. In the meantime they should fire whoever directed the video. Decidedly odd.
4. Cut Copy - Out There On The Ice
A fairly well-known track here from these Aussie funsters. The album got huge acclaim in 2008, and deservedly so. It's chock-full of crunchy electro nuggets, complete with 80s vocals à la Grafton Primary (see August). In fact, it's going to be my second Blip. I think everyone should own this album. The track itself is a catchy little number with an absolute cracker of a chorus and a multitude of sneaky synths. It also comes with a rather nice build-up. Enjoy.
5. Air France - No Excuses
The only thing I know about this band is that they are no relation to the airline. (Surely there are some copyright issues going on here? Lawyers leave your comments and probable lawsuits in the appropriate box below.) Anyone who is a fan of Sebastian Tellier's 'La Ritournelle' will enjoy this. It's one of those sunshiny Balearic numbers that just makes everything better.
6. Kid Cudi - Make Her Say
I'm not normally a fan of Hip Hop, but this track I like. I must admit to have been slightly swayed by the video, which I have to say is one of the coolest I've seen in a long time. The chorus is catchy and it's got a good little melody. Do you need another reason to like it? How about Kanye West managing to use 'medulla oblongata' in a verse? Ok, sold.
7. Grizzly Bear - Two Weeks
I know there are lots of die hard Grizzlies out there who will kill their granny for not liking the band, so i'm going to tread carefully and straight-up apologise for picking the most well-known track on the album. My line of thinking was that it is also the best track on 'Veckatimest'. Could the two be linked?
For those who don't know Grizzly Bear, they fall into that weird American folk bracket, also inhabited by the musical monoliths of Animal Collective, Panda Bear. A lot of it is just a little too skewed for me (although Animal Collective's new album is very good), but this song ticks all my boxes. I hope it ticks yours too.
8. Maps - Turning The Mind
This is a real slow burner. Don't get fed up with it. You have to be patient. It swirls its way delicately to the final release about 2 minutes in. Definitely worth the wait. Reminds me a little bit of Electric President.
9. Popof - Lost Thoughts part 1 & 2
Going against tradition, I'm putting two techno masterpieces to finish. If you can find a way to play this through good speakers at high volume rather than using shitty little earphones that would be swell. Techno at its finest. Simple.
Apologies for the shortness of each track description; it's been a long day. I hope the music makes up for it.
Herrre we go kids! It's that time again - September to be exact - where I unleash some of the tastiest musical wizardry your ears have ever tasted (since last month).
Some of the stuff here is going to make you want to hop, some of it is going to make you want to hug. I shall call this my Hug-hop compilation.
We'll start hoppy and go huggy later.
1. Casio Kids - Finn bikkjen!
I have no idea what these Swedish scamps are singing about, but I'd wager 11 shillings and sixpence that it's not about someone dying. This is a happy, hoppy (last time) track that I really should've found at the beginning of the summer rather than the end. But hey-ho, who's to say this can't be your 'soundtrack to the autumn'... Not quite the same though is it...
If anyone speaks Swedish out there, I would love a brief synopsis.
2. Vampire Weekend - The Kids Don't Stand A Chance (Chromeo mix)
Turns out this is a special collaboration, not just some bootleg Chromeo rustled up in his shed. I heard this track before I heard the original. I don't like the original now. This is just a really, really top class tune. Simple, retro beat with some nice little gurgles and Mr Vamp's Police-esque ("Don't stand, don't stand, don't stand so close to me-ee") delightful vocals over the top. The breakdown is a bit of a corker as well - the fella's got a voice on him I tell ya!
3. The xx - Crystalised
I pre-ordered the album by these South Londoners in July and have literally been sitting with my face in the letterbox ever since. It finally arrived last week and I wasn't disappointed. I spent my entire walk home today trying to categorise it. I've come up with 'Space-age Slut Pop'. For those of you familiar with Fujiya & Miyagi, that's the closest comparison I can think of, although these slutboxes are streets ahead, and far less annoying. It's catchy as hell, but in a really dirty way. Crystalised is probably their stickiest track, hence why I have put it in (as your musical vicar I am hell-bent [sic] on converting you). I love the boy&girl vocals and the guitar on the chorus is so simple that it absolutely shouldn't be as fantastic as this. These guys will be huge.
Enough waffling, dig in (then buy the album!):
4. Passion Pit - Sleepyhead
This album came out a good while ago, but I still think this track is straight out the top drawer. I never understood that expression - isn't the top drawer always socks or cutlery?
Once you get past the fact that the guy can't really sing and just kind of shrieks his way through the track it's actually a mighty fine bit of electronic twinkling. And if - God forbid - you don't like it, then fear not! It's only 2.58 long.
5. Department Of Eagles - No One Does It Like You
Rob da Bank once said: "If it's American, and it's not from Brooklyn or Austin, it's not worth it's salt." I'm not sure that's exactly what he said, but you get the point. These guys are from Brooklyn, so by definition they must be good.
Sweeping quotes from my musical Yoda aside, these NooYoikers are definitely on the weird end of the oddometer. I've picked one of the most normal tracks for you here, just to break you in gently. If you like this, and you want to go weirder, check out their debut album. Unclassifiable stuff.
6. The Notwist - One With The Freaks
I met my favourite person over a conversation about The Notwist. Actually, it was more like an argument over how this it's pronounced. All those in favour of The No Twist say ayyyy. All those in favour of The Not Wist say yeeeeee. It's a tough one isn't it? I was thinking about emailing them for phonetical clarification...
This is from the album 'Neon Golden', and it's lovely. They are German, and I'm a big fan of foreign bands who sing in English (Kings of Convenience, Phoenix etc.) as they always write very 'almost-but-not-quite' lyrics. If you like this, then 'Chemicals' and 'Consequence' are my two other favourites.
7. Lisa Hannigan - I Don't Know
This is for all you Regina Spektor/one woman and a guitar lovers. Lovely voice? Check. Sweet melodies? Check. Songs about love? Check. I think this is the girl who made Damien Rice famous. It's not going to change the world, but those plinky violins are nice donchathink? They remind me of 'Dance With You' by Kings of Convenience.
8. Sweet Billy Pilgrim - Kalypso
Mercury-nominated, but they shouldn't win. This track is a melancholy masterpiece, but the album disappoints if I'm honest. Don't let that spoil your enjoyment of this little folky wonder. It's folking amazing. Oh dear.
9. Louie Austen - Hoping (Herbert's High Dub)
As with Blip tradition (is it tradition when this is only the second time?), my last track is an oldie. This is one of my favourite songs. Ever. It's a long intro, but don't get greedy, just stay calm and wait for the vocal. Try and listen to this on good speakers - the bass is really squelchy.
Born in a rustly dustbin, London.
Feeding off scraps and wild chard, he began to lose control of limbs age 6. They have been flailing wildly ever since.
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